RBNY clinches playoff spot despite draw with SKC

Harrison, NJ (Sports Network) - Red Bull New York managed to clinch a playoff
berth on Saturday despite being held to a 0-0 draw by Sporting Kansas City at
Red Bull Arena.

The result sees New York (15-9-9) improve to 54 points on the season, but it
was D.C. United's 3-2 defeat of the Columbus Crew on Saturday that solidified
the Red Bulls' place in the postseason.

Kansas City (17-7-9) remains on top of the Eastern Conference on 60 points and
will look to seal the top seed in the East with a result in its final match of
the season.

New York dictated play for much of the opening period but finally began
turning possession into clear scoring opportunities in the second-half.

The Red Bulls came within inches of getting in front in the 64th minute when
Jimmy Nielsen produced a sprawling one-handed save off of a shot from Thierry
Henry. Kenny Cooper collected the rebound and slid a ball across the face of
goal that was nearly turned in by a Sporting defender, but it instead struck
the face of Nielsen from point-blank range.

Luis Robles came up big at the other end for the New York, denying Kei
Kamara's header five minutes from time with a quick reaction save. It was the
only time the rookie 'keeper was called into action on the night.